2 weeks in Japan
Itinerary
Day 1 – Let’s go Tokyo!
One of the world’s truly great cities, Tokyo is a thrilling mix of the past and future, complete with incredible cuisine, neon-lit nightlife and unique pop culture. After being picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel near the heart of the city, you’ll have plenty of time to visit the contrasting areas which make up this unique metropolis. If you’re feeling a little jaded from the flight, then there are plenty of places on your doorstep where you’ll be able to have a little drink and get your first taste of real Japanese cuisine, before turning in for the night.
Day 2 – Explore the city with a local
In order to see the best of what Tokyo has to offer this morning, you will meet your local, English-speaking guide who has lived in the city for a while and can give you a unique insight into the people, customs and Japanese etiquette, as well as visiting the well-known attractions. You will meet the guide around 10 am and explore the city together on foot and by metro (payable locally). Tokyo’s hi-tech public transport system is an experience in itself and makes it easy and fast to travel through the different parts of the city.
Discover the old and the new Tokyo as you walk along the Ameyoko market street and through the Ueno Park, which is full of historical sights and gives you a good insight into Japanese history. Continue to the famous Yanaka Cemetery, where your guide will tell you more about Japanese funeral traditions. The cemetery lies in the beautiful Yanesen district, which was largely spared during the Second World War so you can discover many small temples and old houses here. After lunch (not included) you will get to know modern Tokyo. Find an insight into some of the most interesting subcultures of Tokyo in Nakano, and as a last stop you will visit the districts of Harajuku or Shibuya. Finally, your guide will give you tips for the rest of the afternoon and where you can eat in the evening. In total, this city tour takes about 6 hours and you always have the option to add the night tour if you wish.
Day 3 – At the foot of Fuji
Today, you will make your own way to the train station to collect your Rail Pass before getting your first taste of train travel in Japan en route to Hakone at the foot of Mount Fuji. For the next couple of days you’ll stay in Hakone, located near the foot of the mountain and beside Ashino-ko Lake, providing a spectacular setting from which to take in the majesty of Fuji. The town is understandably popular and provides multiple tourist attractions and facilities, so we’ll provide a pass so that you can experience them at your own pace.
You’ll have plenty of options – ride the railway, take a boat trip on the lake, visit the impressive Hakone Shrine or some of the many museums – it totally up to you! There are also some great hiking trails if you feel like escaping the crowds. After a full day of exploring you can relax in one of the town’s many Onsen, and grab yourself some tasty Japanese cuisine at one of the many excellent restaurants.
Day 4 – Exploring Hakone & departure
You’ll have plenty of options today – you could ride the railway, take a boat trip on Ashino-ko Lake, visit the impressive Hakone Shrine or some of the many museums – it’s totally up to you! There are also some great hiking trails if you feel like escaping the crowds. After a full day of exploring you can relax in one of the town’s many Onsen; baths heated by volcanic hot-springs.
The town has lots of great places to eat and drink, so as evening draws in you can find yourself a nice spot to watch the world go by whilst filling up on delicious Japanese cuisine. We can recommend The Gyoza Centre for traditional Japanese dumplings.
Day 5 – Hiroshima: Peace & paper cranes
Next up, you will make your way to the train station and head to historic Hiroshima. Hiroshima will always be known for the events of 1945, but this once war-shattered city is now a place of love and prosperity. You’ll spend two nights here and will find a welcoming atmosphere and thriving food scene. The city boasts some great restaurants and vibrant nightlife, so grab a bowl of ramen, enjoy a drink or two, and maybe embarrass yourself in a karaoke bar?
Day 6 – City tour
You’ll meet your guide this morning and set off by public transport to the centre of the city, where you’ll visit Peace Memorial Park – a tranquil, reflective place dedicated to the legacy of the Hiroshima nuclear attack in 1945. The park is home to many beautiful memorials and monuments, as well as a very good museum.
You’ll then visit Shukkeien Garden, which means “shrunken-scenery garden”, where valleys, mountains, and forests are represented in miniature, before your tour finishes around lunchtime and you’re free to enjoy the rest of the city at your own pace.
Day 7 – Uncover the heart of Kyoto
Today, you will jump on the train to pretty Kyoto. When you think of Japan, you might imagine ancient temples, perfectly manicured zen gardens and time-honoured tea ceremonies. Well, that’s Kyoto in a nutshell! From here, you’ll make your own way to your accommodation near the centre of the city. In the evening, we recommend heading out to one of the traditional restaurants; there are plenty to choose from in Kyoto! Then wash it down with some local sake, we think warmed sake is the best.
Day 8 – Morning bike tour
This morning, you’ll head out to meet your English-speaking guide and hop on your bike. Cycling through the back streets feels like a world (and century) away from the car-congested highways. You’ll visit the old entertainment districts with their wooden houses and make a stop at Shinto shrines with their Torri gates. You’ll finish at Kyoto station at about 1 pm, giving you the rest of the day to do as you please.
Day 9 – Dazzling lights of Osaka
Osaka is a hard-working, down-to-earth neon metropolis, rich in Samurai history. During this trip, you’ll have time to explore some of the city’s ancient temples and beautiful gardens, as well as take in the giant skyscrapers which form Osaka’s modern landscape. In the evening, you’ll be met by a local guide at your hotel, who’ll take you to Dotonburi on the subway and give you the lowdown on all the amazing options available. There are a couple of snacks and a drink included before you’re left to go and have dinner wherever you choose.
Day 10 – Free time in Osaka
Today you’ll have plenty of time to see most of the city’s impressive sites. Head to the ancient Shitennouji Temple, spend some time in the Garden of Paradise, and visit the giant Abeno Harukas skyscraper. There is an excellent subway system here, making it easy to navigate your way around. You can then take it easy and find somewhere to enjoy a green tea.
In the evening you’ll have some more free time to take in Osaka’s fast-paced nightlife, eat some more of the weird and wonderful food on offer, or even pitch up at a local karaoke bar – if you’ve had enough sake. After a good night’s sleep, you’ll check out of your hotel, ready to continue your Japanese journey.
Day 11 – Turrets & temples of Kanazawa
Next, you’ll spend a couple of days in Kanazawa on Japan’s western coast, an attractive city bursting with culture and history. You’ll be staying in a centrally located hotel, and the attractions are easy to explore on foot. Largely untouched by the war, the city boasts beautifully preserved Samurai and Geisha districts, as well as one of the country’s finest gardens, all centred around the impressive Kenroku-en Castle. Its proximity to the sea has also made it a hotspot for fish and seafood dishes, so a great place to be if you’re hungry.
Day 12 – Explore the city, and a tea ceremony
The centre of Kanazawa is easy to explore on foot, although there is a regular shuttle bus or even bicycle rental if you prefer. Kenroku-en Castle and the perfectly manicured gardens surrounding it form the centrepiece of the city, and you’ll also have plenty of time to wander through the well-preserved Samurai and Geisha districts.
During the day, you’ll make your way to a local teahouse for an experience which takes you right into the heart of Japanese aesthetics and tradition. We’ll arrange for you to take part in a tea ceremony with a Sado (tea art) master – you’ll never have seen tea so delicately made in your life!
In the evening, you can seek out one of the great seafood restaurants, which are a speciality of this coastal city.
Days 13 & 14 – Return to Tokyo and departure from Japan
Today, you’ll catch the train back to Tokyo and spend one final night in the city, before heading to the airport the following day to catch your international flight home.
Accommodation
